Job Information
Indian Health Service Environmental Health Specialist-ESEP/MP in Shiprock, New Mexico
Summary This position is located in the Environmental Health Services within the Shiprock Service Unit, Shiprock, NM. The purpose of this position is to develop, implement, and supervise a comprehensive environmental health services program. The position encompasses injury prevention and control, institutional environmental health, food sanitation, vector control, epidemiology and recreational environmental health for a service unit. Responsibilities Conducts environmental evaluations of institutional facilities such as schools, preschools and health care facilities in the areas of Life Safety, infection control, safety management, industrial hygiene, housekeeping and operation and maintenance. Makes comparison to existing standards, codes and regulations and recommends methods to comply. Evaluates community water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities and solid waste disposal sites and systems. Compares findings with requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Develops, organizes and conducts education programs for school groups, BIA, Tribal, PHS, Commercial Staff or individuals on a wide range of topics involving environmental health. Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises a comprehensive environmental health program for the Service Unit. Assists the program field staff in planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive environmental program. Conducts injury surveillance activities, evaluates, data and makes recommendations to appropriate officials on reducing or eliminating injury risk factors. Oversees the service unit plaque and Hantavirus surveillance activities, which includes collection of ectoparasite, blood and carcass samples. Conducts and/or approves the findings of epidemiological investigations involving outbreaks of diseases and injuries to limit the spread and prevent future cases by gathering epidemiological information which includes biological samples, interpreting data, writing reports, and making conclusions for establishing environmental health priorities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must pass pre-employment examination. Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required upon selection/placement. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. Example of Education: Successful completion of a science-based bachelor's degree or higher involving a major study in an academic field related to environmental health that includes separate coursework in the three (3) fundamental areas of epidemiology, statistical methods, and toxicology. Examples of coursework: Environmental health technical topics of air quality, food protection, occupational health & safety, water & waste water, solid & hazardous waste management, and disease prevention. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Must submit Transcripts. In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-11 Grade Level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Inspecting businesses for health and safety, food hygiene and food standards; following up on complaints and investigating outbreaks of food poisoning, infectious disease or pests; Enforcing environmental health laws. OR Completion of three (3) years progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, in a field that is directly related to the work of this position. OR Possess a combination of education and experience when combined meet the minimum qualifications. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for the GS-11 grade level. Supervisory or Managerial Abilities: Candidates must have demonstrated in their work experience or training that may possess, or have the potential to develop, the qualities of successful supervision, as listed under the appropriate category below. Ability to motivate, train and works effectively with subordinates who have a variety of background and training. Ability to accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set limits of cost and time. Ability to plan own work and carry out assignments effectively. Ability to communicate with others effectively, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to work. Ability to understand and further manage goals as these affect day-to-day operations. Ability to develop improvements in or design new work methods and procedures. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is NOT covered by a Bargaining Unit. This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: https://www.usphs.gov/.